United Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Mid-Air Incident

LAGOS, Nigeria — A United Airlines flight bound for Washington, D.C., made an emergency return to Lagos on Friday after experiencing an unexpected mid-air movement, injuring six people on board, the airline confirmed.

Flight 613, carrying 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots, abruptly descended from cruising altitude approximately 93 minutes after takeoff. Video footage shared on social media showed trays, food, and other items scattered across the cabin floor as passengers braced for the sudden movement.

Four passengers and two crew members sustained minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital after the plane landed safely in Lagos. All six have since been released, according to United Airlines spokesperson Leslie Scott.

The cause of the incident remains unclear. United Airlines stated it was not due to severe turbulence and is collaborating with aviation authorities in the U.S. and Nigeria to investigate. Flight data from FlightRadar24 revealed the aircraft descended sharply, mirroring a similar incident earlier in the week when the same flight was diverted after a rapid descent of 1,000 feet.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority, confirmed the incident, emphasizing no fatalities occurred. Passengers were accommodated in hotels while awaiting alternative flights.

The aircraft involved, a Boeing 787, has been under scrutiny since a March 2024 incident involving a Latam Airlines flight. In that case, a pilot’s seat unexpectedly moved forward, causing the plane to dive. Boeing subsequently issued an advisory recommending inspections of cockpit seat switches on 787 models.

United Airlines is working to rebook passengers on other flights while the investigation continues.